India's Pioneer Media on TradeFairs

Hyderabad Nampally Exhibition “Numaish” not to commence on 1st Jan for the first time in 72 years

Hyderabadis began their new year without the annual Tradefair ‘Numaish’ which has been part of the historic city’s culture for 80 years.

The Exhibition Society decided to postpone the 81st edition till January 31 due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic. The Exhibition Society is a state government-controlled body which organises the All India Industrial Exhibition every year.

State Health Minister Eatala Rajender, who is also the President of Exhibition Society on Thursday informed that though there is a significant decrease in the corona virus cases across the country, but the Union Government has imposed strict restrictions till January 31, therefore the postponement.

As thousands visit the exhibition daily, and the current guidelines don’t permit gathering of more than 200 people, The Exhibition Society decided to defer the 46-day TradeFair.

Officials said they did not want to take a chance especially in view of the possibility of a second wave of the epidemic and some cases of UK strain of coronavirus being reported in the country.

Traders from various parts of the country set up their stalls during the exhibition, which is visited by 45,000 people every day. The Tradefair directly and indirectly provides livelihood to 20,000 individuals.

A unique blend of economy and culture, “Numaish” is organised at the Exhibition Grounds in the heart of the city. The revenues from the fair are spent on group of educational and charitable institutions run by The Exhibition Society.

The exhibition draws people from Hyderabad, Secunderabad and also from Telangana and neighbouring states.

Numaish-e-Masnuaat-e-Mulki or “Numaish”, in short, made a humble beginning in 1938 as an event to promote locally produced goods. It began with just 50 stalls and has evolved into one of the biggest industrial exhibitions in the country.

A vintage photo of Numaish

The seventh Nizam of Hyderabad State, Mir Osman Ali Khan, inaugurated the first “Numaish”. Considering the good response, it was decided to make it an annual event and use the earnings to promote education.

Numaish 2018

With each passing year, the event grew in size and popularity. Seniors recall that it became a platform for artists to show their skills. “Mushaira” or literary activity, songs and qawalis became a part of it.

Presently there is more focus on the commercial aspect. Traders from across India, besides local industries, entrepreneurs, hotels and food chains, set up stalls.

Various state and central government departments as well as public sector undertakings use the platform to reach out to people.

“Numaish” could not be organised in 1947 and 1948 due to the turmoil in the aftermath of India’s Independence. With Hyderabad acceding to the Indian Union, the event bounced back in 1949.

Numaish

The open-to-sky exhibition started off as a bazaar-style fair and now it has developed into theme pavilions, food courts, recreation areas, amusement rides, on-site healthcare, well-designed displays and carefully laid-out relaxation areas. A couple years ago, authorities decided to shed the ‘All India Industrial Exhibition’ label and promote it with the brand name ‘Numaish’. This is to distinguish it from the scores of exhibitions held round the year.